It was supposed to be the Philippine Basketball Association's first rookie camp, an activity where aspiring amateurs could showcase their talent and be judged by team managers and coaches whether they have "it". Unfortunately, there was nothing to see as only seven of 18 in the PBA draft dropped in at the Cuneta Astrodome, most of whom will probably remain what they are after the draft - amateurs.

There was a fairly good-sized crowd but one could sense the camp would be a dud because even the camp director, ex-PBA coach Yeng Guiao, did not bother to show up. It turned out Guiao had begged off last Sunday after accepting a job as Philippine Basketball League commissioner. The PBA draft's probable top pick on Jan. 19, Andrew Seigle, arrived for the camp in civilian clothes and did not bother to hold a ball. Another probable top draftee, Nicholas Velasco, a Fil-American like Seigle, was not around. Pure Foods, San Miguel Beer and Sta. Lucia Realty did not bother to send a representative.

"First time lang naman kasi na ginawa ito kaya we're not expecting anything exciting to come out. 'Yung mga teams na hindi nagpadala ng representatives nila, baka walang balak na kumuha sa annual draft o dahil may nakuha na," said a PBA official. Formula Shell team manager Jimmy Aizon and assistant coach Perry Ronquillo, Ginebra San Miguel assistant mentor Rino Salazar and 1996 grandslam champion Alaska Milk watched silently from the sidelines.

In front of them were PBA hopefuls Ernesto Ballesteros, Lowell Briones, Edward Naron, Angelo David, Nathaniel Montoya, Vincent Calip and Manuel Ortega who went through some shooting and scrimmages but not enough to leave any lasting impression. Despite the not so impressive results, PBA executive assistant Ricky Santos said the rookie camp will become a part of the league calendar. And, next time, he said, it will be mandatory for all rookies and for all teams to send a representative. -EDGARD HILARIO

Purefoods concedes it has lost Fil-Am cager to Sunkist.